Newcastle falls to Hull 1-0 in FA Cup

"We were the better team by miles", said Joe Kinnear following the match but unfortunately Newcastle failed to capitalize on opportunities and fell 1-0 to Hull City in the FA Cup.

Although indicated prior to the match, the idea of a youth-laden starting grid was cast aside as Joe Kinnear went forward with his best eleven available against a predominately second tier Hull City line-up. Newcastle started with a morsel more aggression than the visitors but unfortunately Michael Owen had a off night as he squandered at least three golden chances, including a clear chance in on the Hull City alone eleven minutes before the break but unfortunately his effort flew off into the stands. Earlier, twenty-one minutes after the start, Nicky Butt flicked on Danny Guthrie's free-kick against the crossbar and the theme of being denied had taken root. And while opportunities came and went, Hull City capitalized on one of their few chances as ex-Ranger Daniel Cousin re-directed Richard Garcia's cross to the back of the net to give them a 1-0 lead. Following the goal Kazenga LuaLua entered for Jonás Gutiérrez and in conjunction with Andy Carroll, they were able to show a notable attacking spirit that hopefully garners more playing time.

Following the loss Joe Kinnear said, "They had a smash and grab, they had one shot all night and scored, we missed at least five clear-cut chances. We hit the post, hit the crossbar, Michael (Owen)'s had a few, Xisco's missed one… The good thing is we created the chances but it wasn't going to be our night, was it? Michael, being the finisher he is, on any other day he would have put at least one of those away out of the opportunities."

Tamás Kádár to debut for Newcastle today in FA Cup

With today’s FA Cup replay against Hull City the big news is that Tamás Kádár is likely to debut for Newcastle. The eighteen year-old Hungarian U21 is a brilliant young talent and in-time will become a favourite for the St James’ Park faithful.

Joe Kinnear said of the young Tamás:

“Tamas has done very well.

“I’d think out of most of the young lads, he would have a realistic chance of playing, or almost certainly being involved in the game.

“I have got other options, but they depend on the fitness level of Charles, who is suffering from a thigh strain.”

Unfortunately Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi will miss out with Newcastle as the Magpies head into the match with an astonishing eleven absences.

However as one door closes, another opens and Kazenga LuaLua, Mark Doninger and Jonny Godsmark have been included in the youthful lineup that will press hard to impress.

Newcastle earns replay against Hull in FA Cup

Joe Kinnear will be pleased as his injury plagued side fought hard to a nil draw against Hull City in the FA Cup. While fans won’t be able to make claim of the match keeping them on the edge of their seat, it did possess a series of close misses and the saving work of Shay Given once again. Noteworthy for Newcastle was naturally the continued work of the Republic of Ireland ‘keeper but additionally the continued deployment of Andrew Carroll paired alongside Michael Owen, to which I am delighted to see Joe Kinnear give young striker an opportunity to shine. Unfortunately the match did come at a cost as Charles N’Zogbia was injured and needed to be substituted with Jonás Gutiérrez before the break.

Of worthy to note the match did feature a meeting of Craig Fagan and Danny Guthrie, who was responsible for the Hull City man broken leg early this fall and as expected with each touch, Danny Guthrie was received with a chorus of boos from the loyal home fans. For the most part, Hull City was the responsible for the majority of scoring opportunities. Former Rangers Daniel Cousin came close on a few occasions but each being held off by ‘keeper Shay Given. Newcastle was equally the beneficiary of a very close call by the referee with eighteen minutes remaining as Michael Turner headed appeared to cross the line before the Shay Given pulled the ball back. The Magpies opportunities were few and far between with close range efforts late in the match by Michael Owen and young Andy Carroll drifting off mark.

Following the match Newcastle coach Chris Hughton said on the club web-site:

“The game became very open after the break and both teams had chances to win it, although I thought a draw was fair.

“I thought we were the better side in the first-half. I also felt we had the best chances to win the game.

“It was very open second-half and Michael Owen had a good chance. They had a couple of good chances also and in some ways it was a typical cup tie.

“We were looking to bounce back after Liverpool. We knew we were up against a very good side in Liverpool and I think sometimes after the game you come off and put your hands up and appreciate the quality they’ve got.

“The important thing is that we did bounce back and got back to keeping clean sheets.

“Our record away from home recently has been very good.

“Our big priority is the Premier League but it’s a very welcome relief from that to be involved in the cup and for our supporters as well, you so how many we had here today and how vocal they were.

“We expect a very tough game at St.James’. They are a very good side and came to St.James’ and performed very well earlier in the season, but we’re at home and it’s important we make progress.

With the draw the Magpies will now be able to face Hull in a replay at St James’ Park on January 14.

Hull City v Newcastle FA Cup match preview

The story line of the FA Cup match against Hull City is thick as Newcastle looks to respond to a dreadful loss to Liverpool. Last weeks 5-1 loss to Liverpool was a foul reminder of how far the club has to go as they were completely run off the pitch. While the scoreline was a foul abomination, it would have been worse if it had not been for Shay Given. Now with clubs injury situation getting so bad that manager Joe Kinnear was forced to cancel practice lest he risk another loss and the Republic of Ireland ‘keeper has expressed his displeasure and seemingly paving the way for an exit out. Yet if that isn’t enough the match could also see Craig Fagan come face to face with Danny Guthrie, whose reckless challenge broke the Hull City’s man leg approximately three months ago.

As always Joe Kinnear is pushing full steam ahead for the victory:

“We’ve got a lot of key players missing but I’ll be sending out my strongest possible side at Hull.

“This is a big game for us and it’s a competition which I love to be involved in.

“Maybe we should be keeping one eye on West Ham in the league next week but that’s not the message I will be giving my players.

“We’ll be going out very attacking minded and looking to get the win.”

Newcastle will have Sébastien Bassong available but are likely without Obafemi Martins and Habib Beye along with Mark Viduka, Cláudio Caçapa and longer-term absences Joey Barton and Alan Smith. Hull City is reporting a fully fit squad and anxious to climb into the next round of the FA Cup.

Stephen Ireland leads City to draw against Hull

Stephen Ireland stole the show for City with two goals but Geovanni's strike to level the match just past the hour mark gave Hull City the 2-2 draw. The first half of the match was marked with defensive blunders the worthy of an academy prospect or for that matter, paying for the tickets. At the fourteenth minute Micah Richards passed the ball to Tal Ben-Haim who then tapped a pass into the open, serving up Daniel Cousin for what is likely his easiest professional goal. Not to be outdone in a horrifically poor defending, eight minutes before the break Kamil Zayatte passed the ball back across the Hull City goal-mouth to a shocked Stephen Ireland. Just before the break, Stephen Ireland struck a perfectly placed ball inside the far right post off Javier Garrido's feed. At the hour mark as Hull searched for the leveling goal, Geovanni free kicked defeated off off the wall and past Kasper Schmeichel into the net. Whilst both sides had opportunities to score the winner the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The major drawback on this match was Joe Hart's injury at the nineteenth minute. The actual injury or extent was revealed, however I will report on it once further information is made available.

Man City returns to action against Arsenal next Saturday.

another key match

While Mark Hughes has been given a vote of confidence by the ownership, todays match-up against Hull City cannot be overlooked as with the club now tied for the final relegation spot, a victory is desperately needed.

Hull City goes in to the affair with a ridiculous opera between Marlon King and Dean Windass that isn't befitting of a veteran player and needs to be dealt with sternly. For the match they are likely without Andy Dawson whilst City will be Gelson Fernandes and Richard Dunne in the sin-bin and Daniel Sturridge is likely to miss due to an injury.

I will report on the match as it concludes.